Gypsy Movies

Movies about Gypsies that portray them in a Positive Light

Here are some of our picks for good movies about gypsies in a
positive light. If you're looking for gypsy movies, you could do a
lot worse than some of the suggestions we make here. And if you have
a suggested gypsy movie for us to add to this page, we'd love to
hear from you.

Snatch

Snatch is a Guy Ritchie film with all the non-stop action
of Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels plus Brad Pitt. Pitt
plays an Irish Tinker who is the bare fisted boxing champion of his
"Piker" clan. The mob kills his mother by burning her alive in her
caravan to try to keep him in line. The tinker's revenge is both
unexpected and thorough. Snatch is an intricate tale
well-woven by Mr. Ritchie and filled with edge of your seat activity
throughout. 2001. 90 minutes. Rated R.

The Raggedy Rawney

The Raggedy Rawney is a Bob Hoskins movie from Handmade
Films that tells the story of a band of gypsies who adopt an AWOL
young soldier and hide him during World War I. I found a copy of
The Raggedy Rawney in the used movie bin at Blockbuster, which
is usually a good sign.

Lacho Drom

Lacho Drom may be a documentary about bands of gypsies in
Spain, Egypt, Romania and a few other countries. We can't find a
copy of Lacho Drom, but the movie was recommended by Keith
Haynes and a few other people. Lacho Drom was directed by
Tony Gatlif who is himself a Rom (The more accepted international
name for ethnic gypsies). Lisa Ekstrom wrote to remind us these two
movies are the only ones filmed from a Romani perspective, all the
others are from an outsider's view. Good point, Lisa.

Angelo, My Love

Angelo, My Love is the story of a gypsy boy living in the
America who has a few problems adapting. Directed by Robert Duval
with an amateur cast including members of the Duval family and
Angelo Evans as Angelo. Angelo, My Love was recommended by
Rebecca Crowley. 1983. Rated R. 113 minutes.

Time of the Gypsies

Time of the Gypsies is a funny story about an awkward kid
with telekinetic powers, There are some very strange visuals in this
Yugoslavian film. Time of the Gypsies tells the story of this
young boy's training as a gypsy, and it might well be an Eastern
European "coming of age" movie. He is kidnapped and sent to Italy
where he loses his innocence and learns how to fleece the gadza.
Good ending and well worth hunting for.'

King of The Gypsies

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Eric Roberts stars in
King of the Gypsies, a Hollywood version of New York gypsy life.
King of the Gypsies provides some humorous insight into some
of the more common scams used to raise funds for the tribe. Not as
gritty as the two above but certainly more amusing.

Into The West

A terrific Irish movie about a down and out ex-gypsy king and his
two rogue sons. The two boys are given a horse by their grandfather,
and they insist on keeping him in the bathroom of their third floor
apartment. You'll recognize the cast of Into the West--the
movie features Gabriel Byrne, Colm Meany and Ellen Barkin. Great
stuff and kid friendly. 1993. 97 minutes. Rated PG.

Traveller

American travelers are thought to descend from their Irish
tinker/gypsy counterparts. Traveling rogues who swindle just about
anyone, these are modern day gypsies who tar roofs and seal
driveways with crankcase oil. This really doesn't do a whole lot for
creating a positive gypsy image but, hey it sort of belongs here.
Starring Mark (Dirk Diggler) Wahlberg and Bill Paxton, Traveller
is a funny story of a cousin's introduction into the clan. Some of
the cons are very clever and well worth seeing so you don't become
their next victim. Pretty well done and maybe a bit too well
researched. Great writing.

Ivan & Abraham

There is very little evidence left of eastern European Jewish
Culture from the period between the wars. Director Yolande Zauberman
rounded up the talent, money and locations to film Ivan & Abraham.
Ivan works for Abraham's family in a Jewish schtetl in Poland. They
run away together and link up with a group of gypsies as the boys
learn a few things about life outside the ghetto. Ivan & Abraham
is in Polish, Yiddish, Russian and Gypsy. 1997. B&W. 105 minutes.
Subtitled.

We have not seen these yet but they have been brought to our
attention by other gypsiophiles:

Les Princes was recommended by Mike, who assures us it
fits well into this category. We'll fill you in when we uncover a
copy.

Gadjo Dilo by Tony Gatlif translates into "The Crazy
Stranger" in English. Gadjo Dilo has been sent in by a number
of people. Mike informs us it is by "the same guy who made Latcho
Drom. He is an Algerian gypsy who has begun to make films about
his people." Still looking for this one too. Thanks Mike, Rachael,
Coxreno, Maddie and Roisin Coyle.

The Romany Trail A British documentary brought to our
attention by Katraina Z. Rom Katriana tells us this is a documentary
about Greek gypsies. Anyone know where it might be available?

Alex and the Gypsy /Love and Other Crimes - Kim Danbert
tells us, "ack Lemmon is a bail bondsman in love with a gypsy
portrayed by Genevieve Bujold. Hopelessly in love and betrayed by
her, Lemmon reluctantly bails her out of jail and tries to keep up
with her until her court appearance. James Woods plays Jack's
assistant. Let us know if you locate a copy.

Black Cat, White Cat - A new film by Emir Kustrica, who
also gave us Time of the Gypsies. It is still playing in art
cinemas but should be out on tape/DVD soon.

Curse on the Gypsies is a lengthy documentary done by the
History Channel and is apparently available on video. Again, thanks
KZ.